Senior Software Engineer - Cisco IOS-XE (Hybrid)

Cisco Systems, Inc.; Milpitas (CA); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Cisco Systems, Inc. is seeking a Software Engineer to join the IOS-XE Image Install team in Milpitas. This hybrid role requires in-office presence four times per week, focusing on low‑level C/C++ and Linux systems programming for enterprise networking platforms.

You will drive robust software lifecycle management, from design to production, with mentorship from senior engineers and collaboration across cross-functional teams to ensure security, reliability, and scale.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree is required with related experience; advanced degrees are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain low-level software for Cisco IOS-XE Image Install.
• Lead features from design to production delivery in high-availability environments.
• Collaborate across teams to ensure reliability, performance, and security.
• Mentor junior engineers and review code for quality and consistency.
• Identify risks early and perform thorough debugging and post-mortem analyses.

Skills

C programming

Linux systems programming

Distributed systems

Debugging tools

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

PhD

Tools

GDB

Linux tracing tools

Job description

The application window is expected to close on: 10/29/2026This role requires to be onsite in a hybrid model 4 times a week in our Milpitas office.

MEET THE TEAM

Our team serves as the engine of innovation, dedicated to building software that simplifies complex networking challenges through a user-centric, Design Thinking approach. We operate at the critical intersection of product management and engineering, ensuring our solutions provide seamless connectivity for a global customer base. Our group consists of high-performing, collaborative experts who thrive on transparency and a culture of continuous learning. We are most excited about pushing the boundaries of scale and velocity while directly shaping the future of Cisco's software ecosystem. This high-impact environment offers a unique opportunity to influence both the architectural direction and the user experience of our most advanced networking platforms.

Welcome to the heart of Cisco's enterprise networking innovation. We are the IOS-XE Image Install engineering team, a group of passionate systems software professionals dedicated to powering the infrastructure that connects the world.

OUR MISSION & IMPACT

In today's digital landscape, network downtime is simply not an option. Our team owns the critical Image Install component of Cisco IOS-XE, the operating system running across Cisco's industry-leading enterprise switching, routing, and wireless portfolios. We architect and deliver the software lifecycle management mechanisms that allow millions of enterprise devices to upgrade, provision, and recover seamlessly. From automated zero‑touch provisioning to robust in-service software upgrades (ISSU), our code ensures mission‑critical networks remain secure, resilient, and always online.

ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE & CULTURE

We operate at the intersection of deep systems programming and modern software engineering. Our work requires a rigorous understanding of Linux kernel mechanics, flash file systems, bootloaders, and high‑availability architecture. We believe that true reliability begins with elegant design, rigorous automated testing, and a culture of continuous learning. As a team, we champion technical ownership, collaborative problem‑solving, and a relentless drive for quality.

WHY JOIN US AS A SOFTWARE ENGINEER?

This is a unique opportunity to shape the foundational architecture of Cisco's next‑generation networking platforms. As a Software Engineer on our team, you will not just write code; you will architect robust, low‑level systems that handle complex failure scenarios gracefully and scale to meet the demands of global enterprises. You will work alongside seasoned industry experts who are eager to mentor, collaborate, and push the boundaries of what is possible in network operating systems.

If you have a passion for low‑level systems engineering, a commitment to reliability, and the drive to impact how the world communicates, we invite you to build your career with us at Cisco."

YOUR IMPACT

Design, develop, and maintain high‑quality code by applying advanced C/C++ and Linux systems programming to solve complex networking challenges. Lead technical features from initial conception through production delivery to ensure our software remains robust, scalable, and secure. Drive the software development lifecycle by integrating Design Thinking principles to optimize system reliability and performance in high‑availability environments. Mentor junior engineers and collaborate across functional teams to advocate for product innovation that creates long‑term customer value. Identify technical risks early and conduct rigorous code reviews to maintain the integrity of our distributed systems and networking infrastructure.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree plus 7 years of related experience, Master's degree plus 4 years of related experience, or PhD plus 1 year of related experience.
• Application of C for memory management, concurrency, and multithreading.
• Experience with Linux systems programming, including POSIX IPC, sockets, and process lifecycle management.
• Experience in distributed system architecture, specifically control plane and data plane separation.
• Experience with debugging tools including GDB, Linux tracing utilities, and post‑mortem crash analysis.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Demonstrated ability to lead medium‑scale technical features from initial design to successful production deployment.
• Proven experience mentoring peers and junior engineers to foster technical growth and team excellence.
• Exceptional cross‑functional communication skills, including technical writing, presentation, and stakeholder management.
• Experience with threat modeling and production monitoring to ensure system security and high availability.
• Ability to thrive in